Russia Begins Construction of the Ninth 22350-Class Frigate

Reference News Network, May 17 report According to the Russian newspaper "Vedomosti" website on May 14, a 22350-class multipurpose frigate has begun construction at the Northern Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The ship is named after Admiral Felix Gromov, who became the first Russian naval commander to hold the rank of Admiral in 1996.

The report states that, according to TASS, the keel-laying ceremony for the 22350-class "Admiral Gromov" frigate was officially held at the Northern Shipyard in St. Petersburg.

Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Alexander Moiseyev stated: "The 22350-class frigates have successfully proven themselves to be reliable warships, possessing strong offensive, defensive, and search capabilities. They serve as platforms for various missile weapons. The Navy has an urgent demand for this type of warship, and the existing frigate construction plans and projects will certainly be implemented."

The "Admiral Gromov" frigate is the ninth 22350-class frigate built by the Northern Shipyard.

The 22350-class frigates are designed to perform tasks in distant seas and oceans, capable of providing air defense and anti-submarine defense, supporting landing forces, and striking ground and maritime targets. The ship can carry one Ka-27 helicopter. Its arsenal includes long-range precision missile weapons, such as the "Zircon" hypersonic missile and the "Kalibr" cruise missile.

Currently, the Russian Navy has commissioned three of this class of frigates: the "Admiral Gorshkov," the "Admiral Kasatonov," and the "Admiral Golovko."

In August last year, Navy Commander-in-Chief Moiseyev announced that two new 22350-class frigates would begin construction in 2026. In the fall of 2024, the fourth frigate of this class—the "Admiral Isakov"—will be launched at the Northern Shipyard.

These multipurpose frigates equipped with hypersonic weapons will become the backbone of the Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet. (Translated by Wei Lianglei)